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We’ve talked a lot about vegetarian recipes (today’s garbanzo bean recipe is a winner!) and healthy foods to heal your gut, so today I’m going to chat with you about 10 foods that I love to use with my clients and in my own kitchen for gut health and detox. As we know, 80% of our immune system is in our gut–so if you focus on maximizing your gut health and health flora (good bacteria) — you’re sure to have a healthy body.

Ready to get started?

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil improves digestive function and Leaky Gut; it’s anti-microbial and helps fight off harmful bacteria, fungus, and parasites that can contribute to Leaky Gut. Leaky Gut creates SO many problems for your immune system–trust me I’ve had it for years! Luckily, Coconut Oil strengthens your immune system by fighting off and helping you combat virus and bacteria that can cause disease. Add coconut oil in place of olive oil when cooking over high heat.

2. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are full of anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids that we need to quench inflammation. Your body needs these essential fatty acids to heal your gut. They help flush out your stomach when you are constipated and are great when soaked in water for a few minutes- they form a jello-like substance. Add a scoop to your smoothies or use them in place of eggs for your baking recipes!

3. Dark, Leafy Greens

You can’t go wrong eating more dark, leafy greens. They’re chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients to help fuel your immune system and are great for sweeping the gut clean. You can saute your greens in coconut oil with sea salt or serve them with avocado or olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs. It’s SO important to pair these greens with a healthy fat so that you can absorb the vitamins in the greens!

4. Ground Flaxseeds

These seeds are super high in those Omega 3 fatty acids we spoke about above. Make sure you purchase ground flaxseeds because you won’t get any benefit from eating whole flaxseeds; you need them to be ground so they release their nutrients in your body. Add them to your gluten-free oatmeal, smoothies, soups and salads for a boost of flavor, protein and nutrients! They’re a multi-vitamin packed into a small seed- just check out the nutrient density of these seeds on their package.

5. Oregano

Oregano has both anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. I use oil of oregano for issues like Candida and bacteria problems with my clients. Fresh oregano is also great to use on your food for a gut cleansing powerhouse.

6. Leeks

Leeks are known as a prebiotic. Our gut contains trillions of microbes that help with our gut health. They protect us against infection, immune function and nutrient absorption. Prebiotics are fibers in food that the microbes in our gut eat! So, it’s important to fill up on them to nourish and flush your gut. Grill leaks with a drizzle of lemon juice for a flavorful side dish you can pair with any gluten-free whole grain such as wild rice or buckwheat.

7. Onions

Onions, are also a prebiotic, as we discussed above. Saute onions in coconut oil and add them to your quinoa or salad for a boost of prebiotic fiber to keep your gut healthy.

8. Sweet Potatoes and Yams

Sweet potatoes and yams are also prebiotics. As we discussed above, it’s great to eat these foods as often as possible to keep your gut flourishing with good bacteria. Roast sweet potatoes and yams or grill them for the spring with coconut oil, sea salt and rosemary!

10. Bananas

Bananas are another prebiotic. You can eat them when they are nice and ripe or use them as a resistant starch when they are still green! Add bananas to your smoothies for a filling, sweet taste and a dose of prebiotics.

10. Kimchi and Sauerkraut

Probiotic foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut are fermented foods that contain beneficial bacteria for our gut health! They have a sour taste and help produce good bacteria in your gut. Add kimchi and sauerkraut to your lunch or dinner as a condiment for a pop of flavor!

8 comments

I can’t believe I’ve never tried sorghum before. Definitely have to put that on my list. Love your list of detox foods. Love all of them except for bananas, I can add them to smoothies but bahh! not by themselves 😀

So many healthy foods are the salt and pepper of a meal, putting them together just seems such a simple way of creating delicious meals. I am all about creating meals which are not only tasty but also very healthy, I think that is the win win we are looking for. This recipe has a lot of the foods I love even on their own, never mind putting them all together, that is just genius. Great job.

Other than the sorghum, all of these ingredients are available in my rural area. Luckily, bought a package last fall when I was in a small city, and I’ve pinned this to make next time my daughter-in-law goes shopping so she can get me the veggies et al. Looks delicious.

You sing the benefits of Coconut Oil over EVOO, yet your recipes call for EVOO. Should Coconut OIL only be substituted for cooking? I believe the nutrients in EVOO break down in high heat but thought Coconut Oil also broke down. Can Coconut Oil be substituted for EVOO where EVOO is specified in the recipes?

Thanks Bob; yes I LOVE LOVE LOVE coconut oil and use it a ton! Since coconut oil is hard/solid at room temperature, yes you can use it for cooking and grilling over high heat. Do not use olive oil for high heat cooking. I often use olive oil for salads, etc. because it’s liquid at room temperature. Yes you can use coconut oil for any baking recipe in place of BUTTER and you can use coconut oil in place of olive oil for any recipe. ENJOY!!!!

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